What is an important aspect of care for a newborn receiving phototherapy?

In caring for a newborn undergoing phototherapy, one crucial aspect is protecting the eyes from light exposure. Phototherapy is commonly used to treat conditions like hyperbilirubinemia, where excessive bilirubin levels in the blood can lead to jaundice. The light used in phototherapy helps to break down bilirubin in the baby's skin, but it can also be harmful to the newborn's eyes, potentially causing damage to the retina. Therefore, it is essential to cover the newborn's eyes with special light-blocking pads or shields to prevent any adverse effects while allowing the treatment to effectively reduce bilirubin levels.

While monitoring temperature is important, especially when exposing a newborn to any form of therapy that may affect their thermal regulation, it is not as critical in the context of phototherapy compared to eye protection. Frequent feeding is generally encouraged for hydration and caloric intake, but the specific timing and method of feeding can vary based on the infant's needs and condition. Using formula exclusively is not specifically relevant to the phototherapy process, as breast milk and formula can both be used depending on the feeding plan established for the newborn. Thus, safeguarding the newborn's eyes during phototherapy is vital to ensure safety and effectiveness in treatment.